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Dr. Martin Luther King Made Us Aware Of The Fairness Of The American Constitution
Dr. Martin Luther King challenged Americans to be fair and objective when relating to persons of different racial backgrounds. He was a modern day prophet who told the truth without regard for his personal safety. America's views of race, culture and class are shaped by the dreams and ideas of Dr. King.
One of Dr. King's most significant contributions was his assessment of the American Constitution. He made us aware that the Constitution does not discriminate on the basis of race, color or creed.
The initial writers of the Constitution were very rational, intelligent men who wrote a masterpiece which has withstood the test of time. I believe they were inspired by a higher power to write such a splendid document But unfortunately the rights of men of color and women were not immediately honored by those who wrote the Constitution.
The Constitution was ratified on the 21st of June in 1788 and went into effect on the 4th of March in 1789. The words of the Constitution honored the rights and privileges of all Americans but initially it only protected the rights and privileges of white males. We must remember that the 19th amendment granted women the right to vote on the 18th of August in 1920 one hundred and thirty two years after the ratification of the constitution.
The 13th amendment abolished slavery in 1865 and the 14th amendment granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States in 1868. The 15th amendment granted the right to vote regardless of race, color, or creed in 1870. Nearly 100 years after the ratification of those amendments the rights and privileges guaranteed in the constitution were not realized by men of color.
During the 1950's and 60's Dr. King, sister Rosa Parks and attorney Thurgood Marshall made America aware that the Federal and local governments had reneged on enforcing the Civil Rights laws embedded in the constitution. America's failure to enforce the laws of the constitution was the reason Dr. King and others launched the Civil Rights movement which led to the passing of new laws that encouraged Americans to live up to the promises guaranteed in the constitution for all US citizens.
Dr. Martin Luther King emphasized the importance of positive relationships. He wanted Americans to find ways to work with persons of different races. He realized that there was a lot of racial tension within the American family. He tried to relieve racial tension by educating Americans on racial matters and encouraging lawmakers to enforce the letter and the spirit of fairness in the constitution.
A debt of gratitude is owed to Dr Martin Luther King because he appealed to our conscious as a nation. He challenged Americans to be serious about being one nation unto God with liberty and justice for all regardless of race, color or creed.
Rev. Micheal J. Darby